Deputy Austin Nelson has been a dedicated member of the Sheriff’s Office since 2024, when he brought his law enforcement experience to Shasta County. Austin spent his first seven months of patrol assigned to the Burney station, where he fostered strong relationships between the community and the Sheriff’s Office. In May, Austin was reassigned to South County, where he demonstrates initiative and has led his shift in proactivity. Austin regularly takes extra time to explain law enforcement procedures to citizens and suspects alike to ensure a thorough understanding of law enforcement practices, and he consistently follows up on investigative leads to bring justice to victims. During contacts with the public, Austin is polite, respectful, and professional, dependably delivering quality of service. Austin demonstrates strong communication with the community and his coworkers, maintaining clarity, professionalism, and respect in all interactions, leading him to develop strong working relationships with those he interacts with.
Austin routinely seeks to engage in quality, proactive enforcement while maintaining his assigned beat responsibilities, and in October 2025, he led the department with nine arrests and five citations issued. Austin keeps up to date on wanted felons and regularly coordinates efforts to apprehend those wanted criminals in the community. Austin has been the case agent on two recent significant cases; both were thoroughly investigated and followed by well written reports that support prosecution. Austin is currently assigned to the K9 Team as a K9 agitator, and in that role, he has shown strong dedication to the success of the team, supporting both his beat and K9 partner, ensuring they are consistently prepared for patrol. The assignment to the K9 team demonstrates initiative, teamwork, and commitment to advancing the Sheriff’s Office K9 program.
Deputy Austin Nelson is well-liked by his peers, respected by supervisors, and remains dedicated to professional development. Austin demonstrates drive, professionalism, and a strong work ethic that quickly established him as a valued member of the Enforcement Division, and he leaves a positive impression of the Sheriff’s Office within the community.
Please join us in congratulating Deputy Nelson as Shasta County's Employee of the Month for June 2026!